The inner courtyard of the house where the refugees were settled
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SETTLEMENT AFTER THE CAMP (part 1)
The next day we had a planned trip to Neubrandenburg to register at the Bundesamt (Federal Office) and Sozialamt (Social Office). But in the morning our caseworker called and said that because of a railway strike in the region, they would take us themselves. Around 1:00 p.m. we were already at the Bundesamt, where we were issued new passports with new registration and our stay was extended until 30.11.2015.
The Sozialamt is located in the neighboring building. There we received the remainder (until the end of the month) of the money in the form of a check for 128 euros per couple, and we were also issued health insurance cards until 31.06.2015 (cards are issued quarterly). We cashed the check without any problems at the nearby Sparkasse and returned home. Now on the first Monday of each month we need to go to the neighboring city to pick up a check (the statement shows an amount of 590 euros per couple) for the following month.
From this point on, we are basically left to ourselves, we can move freely throughout our region. And we are waiting for the second interview. No one knows the waiting times – it could be three months, six months, or a year.
By the way, from some signs we guessed that our caseworkers are an intermediary organization that took on the function of distributing refugees. And I think it's not for free. Information about this service can be found here: www.cjd-waren.de
We are entitled to social benefits for food, which can be obtained at special charitable food distribution points called Tafel. There was no such point in our town. Social workers promised to help us solve this problem, but after more than two weeks we saw no result. Then we began to act independently and soon learned that one such point is in the town of Robel, 22 km from us, and another in Neustrelitz, 25 km from us.
First we went to Robel. After checking passports and charging 1.50 euros per person, they gave us two bags of groceries. In the photo on the right – the supplies received for 4 people. The next day we went to Neustrelitz, where they entered us into the database, gave us a coupon, and two hours later we again received two bags of groceries. By the way, here they charged 1.50 euros per couple.
We can live! A brief list of products looks like this: greens, several types of vacuum-packed sausage, canned goods, some jam, frozen pizza (several), fruit (bananas, peaches, apricots, grapes), cookies, chocolate, and many bakery products. Oh, it's a pity they don't give beer and water – then we wouldn't have to go to the stores!
It remains to resolve the issue of getting an account at our city's bank so we don't have to travel 25 km for money. The allowance will be transferred to the account, and the money can be withdrawn at any bank in Germany with your card. Well, that's about it.
I will add that, in accordance with the latest amendments on refugees adopted in Germany at the end of last year, a refugee has the right to work after three months of stay in Germany. With the sole restriction that no German citizen or EU resident applies for the position. After 15 months of stay in the country, the refugee obtains the same work rights as an EU applicant.
Also, these amendments provide that after three months of stay in the country, a refugee can obtain permission to move freely throughout Germany. And also, regarding the choice of region of residence, quotas apply, as we were explained – so as not to overcrowd certain regions with refugees. Permission to live in a particular region can only be obtained if you have a work permit from that region.
Vladislav LIPINSKY.
Photo by the author.